• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of adding Momordica charantia (MC) and Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (CZ) extracts to drinking water on obesity-induced mice. A total of 84 eight-week-old C57BL/6N male mice with an initial body weight (BW) of 28.11 ± 1.39 g were used in this study. All treatments were fed a high-fat diet for d 28. Mice were randomly divided into seven drinking treatments (six replicate each treatment) based on the initial BW. Treatments are as follows: control (CON), normal tap water, MC 1, CON with 1% MC aqueous extract, MC 2, CON with 2% MC aqueous extract, CZ 1, CON with 1% CZ aqueous extract, CZ 2, CON with CZ aqueous extract (2%), MCZ 1, CON with 1% MC aqueous extract and 1% CZ aqueous extract, MCZ 2, CON with 2% MC aqueous extract and 2% CZ aqueous extract. During the entire period, the CZ 1, MCZ 1, and MCZ 2 significantly decreased (p < 0.05) gain to feed than CON. The CON significantly higher (p < 0.05) water intake than other treatments on d 0 to 14. The MCZ 1 significantly decreased (p < 0.05) relative (ratio of absolute organ weight to BW) organ weights, including retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RWAT) weight and inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT) weight, compared to CON. In conclusion, our study suggests that there was no significant difference in the anti-obesity effects between MC and CZ, and MCZ 1 has synergistic effects by regulating adipose tissue.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.238-245
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of magnesium (Mg) concentrations in nutrient solution on growth of and nutrient uptake by 'Maehyang' strawberry. Tissue analysis based on dry weight and petiole sap were also conducted to determine the threshold level in plants when Mg deficiency disorders developed in strawberry plants. In the Mg deficient plants, the spotted yellowing or yellowing area developed on the interveinal area of mature leaves. The dark brown color also developed on the interveinal area of mature leaves with marginal browning or marginal necrosis. The response in dry weight production of 'Maehyang' strawberry to elevated Mg concentrations in nutrient solution was quadratic and the equation is y=6.84+1.7533x-$0.9278x^2$ $(R^2=0.1081^{***})$. But the Mg contents in tissue increased lineally with the equation of y=0.1764+0.1275x $(R^2=0.8307^{***})$. The trends of fresh weight production and Mg concentrations in petiole sap were also quadratic (y=24.127+7.3565x-$1.125x^2$, $R^2=0.2314^{^***}$) and linear (11.954+5.793x, $R^2=0.6869^{***}$), respectively. To prevent growth suppression, the Mg concentrations based on dry weight of above ground tissue and in petiole sap should be in the range of 0.30 to 0.65% and 19 to $40mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, respectively, fer the commercial production of 'Maehyang' strawberry.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.837-847
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• 2009

In order to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Gambibang-2(here in after referred to GBB2) on the obese gene and obese inhibitory, C57BL/6 mice were induced by high fat diet. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups(normal, high fat diet with control, high fat diet with Reductil(here in after referred to RDT), high fat diet with GBB2 extract) and fed for 8 weeks. And observed that, body weight change, the weight change of the adipocytes in body and liver, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, leptin change in the serum, the expression of ${\beta}3AR$ and leptin gene in 3T3 cell and primary adipocyte cell, histological analysis of adipose tissue and liver tissue. GBB2 and RDT group showed that the revelation of ${\beta}3AR$ in primary adipose cell and 3T3 cell were increased considerably, and that the revelation of leptin in primary adipose cell and 3T3-L1 cell were decreased considerably. GBB2 and RDT group showed that the body weight were decreased considerably after 7-8 weeks. GBB2 and RDT group showed that the weight of adipocyte and liver were decreased. GBB2 and RDT group showed that the amount of HDL-Cholesterol were increased, the amount of glucose, LDL-Cholesterol and Triglyceride were decreased considerably. GBB2 group showed that the amount of leptin in the serum were decreased. GBB2 and RDT group showed that the size of adipocyte in adipocytes tissue and the adipose vacuoles in liver tissue were decreased. Taking all these observations into account, GBB2 considered to be effective in treating on the obese gene and obese inhibitory. Therefore we have to survey continuously in looking for the effective substance and mechanism in the future.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.119-127
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• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of magnesium concentrations in fertilizer solution on growth and cut flower quality of chrysanthemum 'Biarritz'. The nutrient concentrations in plant tissue and soil solution of root media were also determined. Magnesium deficiency appeared on older leaves with interveinal yellow-green chlorosis. Marginal chlorosis and necrosis also developed on some of older leaves. Elevation of Mg concentration in fertilizer solution increased cut flower weight at harvesting stage resulting in the 8.84g in 1.5mM treatment. Dry weight of whole above ground plant tissue increased as Mg concentrations in fertilizer solution were elevated within the range from 0 to 15mM, but that of 20mM decreased compared to 15mM treatment. The dry weight of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5mM treatments were 8.42, 8.75 and 8.848 and tissue Mg contents of those based on the youngest fully expanded leaves at harvesting stage were 0.34, 0.53 and $0.71\%$, respectively. Based on dry weight and tissue Mg contents, Mg fertilization to maintain tissue contents higher than $0.64\%$ is necessary to ensure flower quality and yield. By considering the concentration in 15mM treatment, Mg concentration in soil solution of root media should be higher than $3.68mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ at harvesting stage.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-22
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Wolbigachul-tang1(WBCEx1) on obesity using high fat diet-induced male mice and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods : 8-week old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups; lean control, obese control, WBCEx1, 2, 3. After mice were treated with WBCEx1(water extract), 2(30% ethanol extract), 3(water extract; Ephedra sinica Stapf., Gypsum fibrosum) for 12 weeks, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism, the messenger RNA(mRNA) expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)$\alpha$ target genes were measured. In addition, $PPAR{\alpha}$ target gene expression was examined in liver, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Results : 1. WBCEx1-treated mice had significantly lower body weight gain and feeding efficiency ratio. 2. Consistent with the effects on body weight gain, WBCEx1 decreased the weights of epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue. 3. WBCEx1 significantly decreased plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. 4. The size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by WBCEx1, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was increased. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by WBCEx1. 5. WBCEx1 did not affect the mRNA expression of $PPAR{\alpha}$ target genes in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. 6. Plasma asparate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatine concentrations were in the physiological range. Liver and kidney weights were significantly lower following WBCEx treatment compared with obese controls, indicating that WBCEx does not show any toxic effects on liver and kidney. Conclusions : These results suggest that WBCEx1-induced body weight reduction is associated with appetite control and mediated by a mechanism other than the activation of $PPAR{\alpha}$.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 1997

The pancreas is an important organ in the maintenance of zine homeostasis. The pancreatic tissue used in this study was obtained from rats fed varying levels of dietary Ca nd phytate followed by intraperitoneal {TEX}${65}^Zn${/TEX} injection. THe objective of this study was to determine the molecular size and distribution of compounds that may represent zinc-binding complexes in pancreatic tissue homogenates. The supernatant of the homogenized pancreatic tissue was separated using a Sephadex G-75 column with Tris buffer at pH 8.1. All subfractions were assayed for zinc, protein and {TEX}${65}^Zn${/TEX} activity. The elution of subfractions from pancreatic tissue homogenates showed a prominent peak corresponding to the high molecular weight protein standard (>66kd). A sall molecular weigth protein (<6.5kd), that was absorbed at 280nm, was also present: prominently in low Ca group, however not much as in high Ca group. These small compounds may combine weakly with zinc in pancreatic tissue an serve as zinc-binding ligands in pancreatic/biliary fluid. In the duodenum, these ligands dissociate zinc into an ionic form which becomes vulnerable to phytate complexation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.127-135
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• 2007

Objectives : In this study we investigated the antiobese effects of mixed pills of pickled black soybeans with herbs(herbal Chokong pill, hereafter HCKP) in rats fed high-fat diet. It was evaluated by measuring the changes of body weight, adipose tissues weight and lipid profiles in serum. Methods : Black soybeans were pickled in vinegar for 15 days to prepare Chokong, at room temperature. For treatment group, HCKP was prepared, which five kinds of medicinal herbs(Rhynchosia nulubilis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zizyphus vulgaris, Atractylodes macrocephala K, Astragalus membranaceus and Cornus officinalis) were added to dried Chokong. Four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed different diets during 9 weeks: normal diet containing 5%(w/w) com oil, high-fat diet containing 10%(w/w) lard plus 5%(w/w) corn oil (HF), high-fat diet supplemented with 1%(T1) and 5%(T5) HCKP powder, respectively. Results : The T5 group had markedly lower body weight gain and weights of epididymal adipose tissue when compared with HF group. There were significant differences in visceral adipose tissue weights, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations between the HF and T5 group. Then, the efficacy of powered HCKP on body weight and lipid profiles change in rats fed high-fat diet were induced dose dependantly. Conclusion : These results suggest that the possibility of HCKP, as an antiobese functional formula, by suppression of body weight gain and improved lipid profiles.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2011

Eotaxin is an important inflammatory chemokine in eosinophil chemotaxis and activation and, thus, is implicated in asthma. Recently, obesity was associated with an increased prevalence of asthma, but the relationship between obesity and eotaxin expression has only been partially understood in obese mice and human studies. Therefore, we studied the expression patterns of eotaxin in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes/adipocytes to determine whether eotaxin levels are influenced by body weight gain and/or reduction in diet-induced obese mice. First, we investigated eotaxin expression during differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Then, we treated 3T3-L1 preadipoeytes/adipoeytes with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), eotaxin, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, or leptin. To examine the effects of weight loss in high-fat diet induced obese mice, we fed C57BL/6 mice a high-fat diet or a normal diet for 26 weeks. Then, half of the high-fat diet group were fed a normal diet until 30 weeks to reduce weight. Epididymal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, serum, and bronchoalveolar fluid of mice were examined for eotaxin expression. The results showed that eotaxin expression levels increased with adipocyte differentiation and that more eotaxin was expressed when the cells were stimulated with TNF-${\alpha}$, eotaxin, IL-4, IL-5, or leptin. An in vivo study showed that eotaxin levels were reduced in visceral adipose tissues when high-fat diet fed mice underwent weight loss. Taken together, these results indicate a close relationship between eotaxin expression and obesity as well as weight loss, thus, they indirectly show a relation to asthma.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.15-27
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• 2019

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate anti-obesity effects of Crataegus pinnatifida (CP) on high-fat-diet induced obese mice. Methods The experimental animals were divided into four groups: normal diet (NOR) group, high fat diet (HFD) group, HFD+Xenical (XEN) group, and HFD+CP (CP) group. NOR group was fed a normal diet and the other three groups were fed high fat diet during the experiment. After the first two weeks of diet, XEN group and CP group were administered with XEN or CP for seven weeks, respectively. After that, we measured body weight, liver weight, fat weight, food intake, and serum concentrations of lipids and liver enzymes. Also the liver, intestine, fat tissue was removed to estimate the obesity-related mRNA expressions and the stool sample was collected to analyze the gut microbiota. Results We found that body weight, fat weight, and triglyceride level were decreased significantly in CP group compared to HFD group. Also CP significantly suppressed gene expressions associated with lipogenesis and inflammation, and increased gene expressions of browning of white adipose tissue and mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, it shifted the microbial diversity closer to that of NOR group and increased Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio. Conclusions These results suggest that CP decrease body weight, fat weight and serum triglyceride. Also it inhibit inflammation and adipogenesis, altering gut microbial diversity and abundance. In conclusion, CP could be used as a therapeutic drug for obesity via gut microbiota modulation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.389-393
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of Sinetrol-XPur (polyphenolic Citrus spp. and Paullinia cupana Kunth dry extract) on lipolysis using leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice. Obese mice were treated with two different doses, 100 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) and 300 mg/kg B.W. in each AIN93G supplement, for 7 weeks. Body weight gain in obese mice treated with both low and high doses of Sinetrol-XPur was reduced compared with control obese mice. Abdominal and visceral adipose tissue weight of mice were reduced in high dose supplemented groups. Epididymal adipose tissue weight was reduced in both low and high dose supplemented groups by 18.27% and 41.05%, respectively. Phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) mRNA levels decreased upon Sinetrol supplementation in adipose tissue of ob/ob mice, whereas A kinase anchor protein 1 (AKAP1), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and perilipin (PLIN) mRNA levels increased. These results suggest that Sinetrol-XPur supplementation partially stimulates lipolysis through reduction of PDE3B and induction of AKAP1, ATGL, and/or PLIN gene expression, resulting in reduced body and white adipose tissue weight.